In the dead of night, on a moonlight road. Countless half-eaten, rotting corpses laid still with expressions of fear and despair still adorning their faces. Banners of Iberia and Castille fluttered in the night breeze, creating noise and reminding the peasants of their past ambitions.
Glancing behind himself. Jesus could see in the torchlight many negative emotions written on the peasants faces as they looked at this scene of death.
In hopes of raising the men's morale, he spoke up. " Do not mourn my brothers and sisters. While it is true that they are gone from this earth, never to return again. They are now in a better place, in heaven. There they are living happy lives without the hardships of our mortal realm. Instead, I call to you people to steel your hearts and dedicate yourselves to fulfilling god's grand design. "
Stepping forward, Karoline asked. " Please tell us. What is god's grand design? What does all this death and suffering have to do with his design? "
Looking at the peasants Jesus spoke confidently and said. " Well first in order to understand god's plan you must first understand our history. Unknown to many around the world, there is an important piece of our history that you all should come to understand. "
" What is it? " Karoline asked.
Touching his chin in thought Jesus spoke. " Thousands of years ago this earth was not ruled by men and monsters. No, the earth was only ruled by men. Only after a period called the War in Heaven did the other races come to earth. Before that time the land was peaceful and food was plentiful, but no more. So it has become clear to me that there is only one clear and straight path to peace. And it's the same one that Sighard tried to accomplish in his time. And that is to unify all of humanity and drive all the other vile races off the face of this god's given earth. "
Giving them a few moments to think on his words Jesus waited and then continued. " So in conclusion, god created man to live in harmony and peace on this beautiful earth. So why all this death and suffering you ask? Well, you must understand that It is the other races and their false gods that have brought this upon us, not our god. It is they who are like a sickness to this earth, a sickness if not dealt with will bring forth this earths end. God created us, humans to be the caretakers of this earth. And he gave us the means to do it. I do not do this lightly but I ask each and every one here and now. Will you join me as fellow caretakers of this earth in sowing away this infestation of xenos that plagues our world?"
Though he didn't really know what the word xeno meant. But according to Marino, it was a Greek word for foreigners and it sounded good to his ears. So in this instance, he had decided to use it to defy the unfriendly creatures of their world.
Raising his hammer up high the peasant knelt in awe and reverence as they pledged themselves to follow his cause. Kneeling in the front Hedwig and Karoline spoke in union as did the others. " We pledge ourselves to your cause, Jesus. "
Watching this scene Jesus nodded in satisfaction. After months of war, he had gotten himself quite a good reputation. By now he was used to people showing such reverence and respect towards himself. But unlike in the army, where all men had already offered their swords to a banner. Here they had not and he could finally use this opportunity to bolster his depleted Jesuit ranks back up. This was not his original plan but as he had already decided to help free these peasants, he saw no reason why not to assist them somewhat more.
Though he couldn't sense any force powers in any of them he still could use a motivated fighting force on his side. And with the ever-expanding Colombo business guards would be needed and he had plenty of funds to make it so.
Speaking once more Jesus said. " Now rise up, not as a mere peasant but as followers of me, Jesus. From this day forth you may call yourselves Jesuits. "
Hearing this Hedwig spoke in excitement. " So you are the Jesus Colombo? The one who founded the Jesuits? The ones who fought in defense of Cordoba against the endless rat swarm of Galicia? You also fought in the battle of Bone Mountain and you single-handedly brought down the mighty white rat single-handedly. And recently I heard that it was you who led the charge in The great battle of the Catalonian plains. There you managed to push the rat tide back all the way back into the Pyrenees mountains. Oh man, I knew that I had heard your name somewhere before. I just can't believe it's actually you in the flesh. "
Hearing that his name and deeds had already spread so far Jesus felt a bit overwhelmed. Scratching the back of his head he laughed awkwardly and said. " Come now, you give me too much praise. I was merely doing that what needed to be done. I'm sure in my situation any other man would have done the same. "
Commenting on this, Karoline spoke up and said. " No Jesus you are far greater than any normal man. Only you could have done that what you have. People in our hometown thought your tales of glory to be but a lie. An exaggeration made up by our king to bolster the morale of the country in our desperate time of need. But now I can see it with my own two eyes that they were not a lie and people all around should hear of this truth. "
Exited by these words other people joined in on the conversation. They started to make plans on how they were going spread the great stories and deeds of Jesus all around the land.
As they talked amongst each other Jesus felt something. Like two candlelights getting extinguished. Jesus felt two presences disappear from the fire. They were some ways away but close enough for him to feel. Setting his focus there he could feel many weak presences all around. Like candle flames about to burn out, he could feel them fading away.
There were also other presences. Their lights burned a tainted dark color. He could feel the dark thoughts and emotions emanating from them. By now he knew that such darkness could only belong to the beastmen. While the ratmens energy emanated darkness, it was never to the same extent as the beastmen.
Turning around Jesus started to run towards the forest where he could feel the fading presences linger. As he did so he yelled to the others. " Follow me quickly! I fear the others are in grave danger and will not last long! "
He had clearly spent too much time talking to the others and now bechause of it lives had been lost. Though he much would have preferred to have assistance in the battle to come, he was now out of time. With this in mind, Jesus used his superhuman strength and the force to enhance his speed as he left the others behind in the darkness of night.
Jumping over roots and ducking under branches he ran like a golden bear through the woods. Fallen branches crackled under his weight as tree roots were turned into sawdust.
With no time to spare Jesus gave up on stealth and cleaver plans as he poured all his focus on speed.
Awoken by his charge, animals started to make noises in panic and alarm as birds flew into the air, alerting everyone to his presence.
As Jesus started to see the lights of fires past the branches and trees. Suddenly his danger senses kicked in as he then saw axes and spears flying towards his location.
Hearing his approach the beastmen had tossed their throwing weapons blindly towards his supposed location.
Easily dodging a few of them coming his way. Jesus then extended his free arm out and with quick reflexes grabbed a hold of a flying spear.
Now spear in hand he sent it loose towards the darkest and most vile presence he could feel in the distance. Like a bullet, the spear whistled past branches and trees. Flying past a few small beastmen heads it flew towards a large unsuspecting beastmans beating heart. Then with a wet ripping sound and a bang, the spear tore a hole straight through it's chest and landed some ways away.
Not able to comprehend what just happened the beastman stuck it's hand into the hole and throughout the other side in wonder. Pulling out it's now bloody hand it looked at it and realised it's horrifying situation and then fell lifeless to the ground.
Then from the bushes, Jesus jumped out hammer in hand. With one sideways swing he crushed two small beastmen heads and sent them flying out his way.
Seeing their brethren die the 40 or so beastmen roared in anger and charged.
Behind them, Jesus could see eaten human corpses and defiled women. Some of them cried while others had lifeless eyes. He was too late, at a quick glance all the men here seemed to be already dead.
Gritting his teeth Jesus roared. " Xenos scum! Come and meet your end underneath my hammer! "